Title
Coach Frank Thomas, 1898 - 1954
Subject
Football coaches
University of Alabama
Description
Frank Thomas took over as Crimson Tide head football coach in 1931 following the eight-year reign of Wallace Wade.
Thomas, who was born in Muncie, Indiana, had played football and baseball at Notre Dame 1920-22 and was the starting quarterback 1921-22 for Knute Rockne. He graduated in 1923 with a law degree and turned down a professional baseball offer from the Detroit Tigers.
When he came to Alabama he was an experienced coach with four years as head coach at Chattanooga and four years as backfield coach at Georgia.
In his 15 years as Crimson Tide head coach. He posted an overall record of 115-24-7 with two national championships, four Southeastern Conference titles, two Rose Bowl wins in three appearances, and additional appearances in the Cotton, Orange and Sugar Bowls.
Thomas also started the first free coaching clinic in the South in his second year (1932) at Alabama, helping to improve coaching techniques and improve the overall game of football in the state.
In 1951, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame; his statue stands outside of Bryant Denny Stadium with the other Alabama coaches who won national championships.
Additional information is available on the Bryant Museum website: www.bryantmuseum.com
Thomas, who was born in Muncie, Indiana, had played football and baseball at Notre Dame 1920-22 and was the starting quarterback 1921-22 for Knute Rockne. He graduated in 1923 with a law degree and turned down a professional baseball offer from the Detroit Tigers.
When he came to Alabama he was an experienced coach with four years as head coach at Chattanooga and four years as backfield coach at Georgia.
In his 15 years as Crimson Tide head coach. He posted an overall record of 115-24-7 with two national championships, four Southeastern Conference titles, two Rose Bowl wins in three appearances, and additional appearances in the Cotton, Orange and Sugar Bowls.
Thomas also started the first free coaching clinic in the South in his second year (1932) at Alabama, helping to improve coaching techniques and improve the overall game of football in the state.
In 1951, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame; his statue stands outside of Bryant Denny Stadium with the other Alabama coaches who won national championships.
Additional information is available on the Bryant Museum website: www.bryantmuseum.com
Contributor
Elizabeth Bradt (Description)
Type
Photograph
Identifier
1038
Coverage
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Original Format
Photograph
Physical Dimensions
4 inches by 5.25 inches